I had a reservation at Esca, but it was way too loud, so we pivoted and went down the block to Luce instead. It ended up being a great call. We were seated quickly at a nice table with a white tablecloth, which gave it a more polished feel right away. There were TVs around showing the NFL Draft and UFL, which was nice to have to keep up to date on sports. The person I was with did wonder why the Knicks playoff game wasn't on, though. I ordered the Oven Roasted Norwegian salmon, and it was excellent. Really crisp on the outside while staying moist inside, it was exactly I like it. It was served over a bed of fresh vegetables with a salsa verde sauce that tied everything together really well. For dessert, I got the cheesecake. It looked small at first, but it was very filling. It came with a strawberry and a side of fresh whipped cream. The flavor was a little unique, not as sweet as I expected, but it worked really well. The service was good throughout the night, too. Our waiter was very friendly and kept us updated throughout the meal on when our food would be coming, which I appreciated. Altogether, this was a really solid experience and I would go back. read more

I got a daily special of branzino with a quinoa salad that had asparagus, and strawberry in it. It was light and flavorful. Our party also split an appetizer of Muscles, calamari, and burrata. All of these were also fresh and wonderful! The server was nice and gave us our space but the space did feel a bit dark. read more

Luce - Branzino w/ quinoa - New American Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

We've been coming to Luce's for a few years when we're in town visiting family. We've been with my parents and for a date night. Everything we've had has been good from the calamari to the stuffed grilled eggplant to the burrata salad apps. For entrees we've enjoyed the gnocchi, the chicken medallions and the salmon. My mom always enjoys the sea bass which has been a special a few times I've been. The restaurant itself is nice, and the seating is spacious and there are big windows overlooking Main Street. The night we went was the tree lighting, and it was fun seeing people walk by dressed up for Christmas. We'll continue to make this on our short list as everything we've had has been delicious, the space is relaxing and there's plenty of parking in their own dedicated lot. read more

Luce - Chicken Medallions with risotto and seasonal vegetables - New American Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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I have to tell you, I think Luce is about to be a new favorite spot of mine in Middletown. I've always driven by and my friend has gotten lunch from here, but we've both never gotten dinner from here and decided we'd check this off our bucket list and stop by for dinner time. We kicked off with their tasty Tableside bread and wow does the olive oil pack a punch with the peppers they have infused in it. I had a tiramisu martini and she had a glass of wine and we both loved the drinks. She then went with the duck and I couldn't resist the chicken medallions with the risotto because I can never pass up a good risotto. Can confirm this one was beyond delish and I took the rest home because I wanted to save room for dessert and that's the only reason why or I'd have been rolling myself out of the restaurant. For dessert I went with the chocolate lava cake and man the amount of ice cream and whipped cream they gave with this was perfection and made my Midwest heart happy. Loved it here and cannot wait to visit again. read more

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The food is over-rated and over-priced. The main course tasted burnt and when we gave feedback, the waiter was rude. Probably one of the worst experiences we have had in Middletown. We will never go back there. read more

My Thanksgiving dinner with family in upstate New York got snowed out. When friends found out they immediately said that they would pick me up at 3:45. I became the fourth at a 3-top in a sold out restaurant. Problem was I had eaten earlier but with the great fresh bread and dipping oil, two apps, a share of a Caesar salad, two Negronis and an Affogato I certainly did fine. The appetizer of Diver Scallops was beautifully plated and delicious. The Caesar salad at Luce is the best ever and the Grilled Asparagus were just perfect. Who can resist a Negroni or two [not I]. The deCaf Affogato was a super creamy way to end a perfect meal. The traditional Turkey meal looked especially inviting but my meal suited ne better, Service was at a perfection level with a fully crowded dining room. I missed seeing family but didn't miss the 5 hour round trip to New York! read more

I went to meet a couple of friends at Luce in Middletown for lunch. I've passed by Luce, many times in the past, but I have never gone inside. They have their own parking lot, which is so nice, as for most places in the area parking on the street is the only option. Luce has a beautiful outdoor patio, in the shade and surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers. They have white table cloths on the tables outside. Our waiter was lovely, he came to check up on us several times. At first we were busy catching up, and then we looked at the menus. I got the Roasted Beet Salad, my friends each got the Luce salad. This salad was so fresh, rich, nutritious and colorful. The beet slices were very generous, there were also apple slices, very fresh goat cheese, and candied walnuts. My friends also enjoyed their salad. The Luce salad is one I would likely get the next time I visit. We followed with cappuccinos and a slice of Tiramisu. This was an excellent slice of the freshest house made Tiramisu. It was so creamy, fluffy and absolutely delicious! We had a great lunch at Luce, and will be returning soon. read more

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Calamari needs to be fried more, tasted bland and could use some spicy peppers. Margaritas tasted like dollar store mixer with no alcohol and gave me a stomach ache. The seafood dish we ordered was okkkk but was deff frozen ingredients. Ordered bone In rib eye med rare. Not even thick enough to give it two grades. Was a pancake of meat very chewy. Our waitress was nice and the setting was good. read more

STUNNING restaurant with FABULOUS food!!! We had my brother's rehearsal dinner here and it was incredible. I loved my espresso martini and aperol spritz. The appetizer with thinly sliced eggplant, sauce, and cheese blew me away. The fish and chicken were perfectly cooked on our entrees. I was so impressed!!! You won't regret coming here. read more

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Food and service good - we had 39 people for a dinner - they did NOT listen to instructions, left out the requested entree and charged expensive alcohol when told not to do so. When questioned - they did not care - BEWARE BEWARE read more

Anniversary dinner, we had a quiet and pleasant night. Ambiance was good, service ok, To bad we couldn't admire the fire place, it wasn't cold enough for it. The restaurant has a beautiful and a very well lit patio. I would give this place 5 stars if it wasn't because the waitress forgot to place the order for my dish and I have to share my husbands dinner. read more

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Honestly, just kind of middle of the line italian food. The food wasn't spectacular, I had a 10oz filet mignon that came with 4 baby potatoes and 1 piece of broccoli. Not really worth it for $60. My friends got the italian sausage crumble penne and said 9/10, someone else got the spinach gnocchi and said 7/10. The drinks saved the dinner in leaps and bounds. Good wine selection, really good cocktails and our service was above standard so that was nice too. Saving the worst for last, the oysters were gross. Wasn't told where they were from which is odd. Tasted like frozen oysters if that's even a thing read more

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Unappetizing food presentation. The branzino, special of the day, was paper thin buried under a ton of vegetables. You could hardly see the fish. Service was hurried. My lunch companion asked for separate checks and the server replied you should had told me at the start of the meal. I have to agree with him but his tone of voice was scolding her for waiting until the last minute. Dessert was tasteless. I talked too several people about my experience they agreed the restaurant is not what it used to be. When I reviewed my check I noticed how expensive my meal added to. Too much money for poor service and taste of food. Sorry Luce you need to smell the roses. read more

We attended a birthday dinner here on Saturday, February10, 2024. Although the restaurant filled up, we were treated like the only party in the house. The food, the service and the ambiance was top notch. We have dined here before, both indoors and out in the tent, but I must say, this establishment ages like a fine wine. Elegant atmosphere and It just keeps Improving in decor and menu options. Even the food presentation is artful. The new sunroom is a nice addition and gives more space for parking in the lot. read more

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We stopped at Luce today for dinner. What a great experience such a classy restaurant . The service was amazing. The food was delicious. They also have outside dining with a bar. I decided to have a glass of wine after looking at the wonderful wine list. I had Luce combo which was veal with Jumbo shrimp in a Brandy sauce. They definitely didn't skimp on the veal, and the shrimp was done perfectly. My husband had veal scampi with portobello mushrooms, leeks and roasted potatoes. We were so happy with our meals. For an appetizer we had the stuffed eggplant with ricotta because it was grilled it wasn't heavy .I would definitely order that again. If you haven't tried Luce you definitely need to put it on your list. You won't be disappointed. read more

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I think it's about time for an update to my previous review 6 years ago. I have becoming to this establishment every so often for celebrations or when other friends and family are craving Luce, but I've never really recommended it. This past Friday my parents daughter and I tried it out and everything was delicious! Everything! My daughter and I shared the ribeye and it was humongous delicious and perfectly cooked. My parents both got the sea bass special and were blown away. It should be on the main menu cause I took a bite and loved it as well. Thank you Luce for making our night so memorable. Now I can't wait to come back and will start to make this my own recommended spots whenever I'm in the area! read more

Luce - 18 Oz. Cowboy (Bone in Rib Eye) - New American Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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Thanksgiving day I had no where to go wanted dinner and a couple beers saw they were open walked up and saw everybody super dressed up I was not. I started to walk back to my car to leave met the owners son outside super nice guy said I was dressed just fine and told me how to get to the bar. Got to the bar waited a minute then the owner himself came over and poured me a beer. Great place great people will definitely be back! read more

Lovely outdoor space and wonderful unpretentiousness service. Good portions and well executed food. A bit heavy handed with the salt, but not as overseasoned as the last meal I had in another restaurant thankfully. read more

Luce - New American Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Excellent, attentive, prompt, knowledgeable, friendly service. Felt very personal and as if you were sitting in a friend's home. Could not ask for more. Sat outside under the large permanent tent with tons of colorful plants. Was very comfortable and spacious. Lots of emergency vehicle sirens, was kind of funny and relatively amusing. There were four of us and between us we had Clams Casino, Crispy Calamari and Chicken Sausage appetizers. All were excellent, fresh, hot, perfectly spiced, large portions, delicious! For entrees we had Strip Steak, Ribeye, Luce Combo and Homemade Cannelloni. I had the Cannelloni and it was truly one of the best, if not THE best, I've ever had in my life. It was thick and rich, clearly homemade fresh marinara, chewy pasta, browned in the salamander (broiler). Oh man, it was incredible! Others at the table commented on how delicious their meals were and we all proved it by virtually licking our plates. Generous and much appreciated pour pour on the Cabernet Sauvignon I ordered which was very reasonably priced and from a stellar vineyard and from a very good year. Perfect! Value for the quality and quantity of food, service and atmosphere is unquestionable. It's hard to get a full 5 star rating from me, but Luce Restaurant earned every point on each star. I would absolutely go back without hesitation and maybe without even looking at other restaurants in the area if I were to return to that part of the country. I highly (highly!) recommend Luce Restaurant and look forward to returning. read more

Luce - Homemade Meat Canelloni. Stellar! - New American Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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We had our rehearsal dinner and welcome drinks on the patio the night before our wedding. Sammy was great to work with to ensure our dinner went smoothly as well as welcome drinks. The food came out hot and the portions were perfect. The stuffed eggplant was everyone's favorite as well as the sausage rigatoni. We had the best night can't thank Sammy enough for helping to make this happen! read more

Luce - Our table set up for family dinner - New American Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

What a great experience on our date night. Finally got to sample a few menu items at Luce and I have to say every one was just as good as the last. We left very very happy and looking forward to our next trip to Middletown. read more

Luce is phenomenal! We got married in the area and they stayed open until 2 AM to let us host our after party there! There is an absolutely gorgeous indoor/outdoor space that our guests loved. We worked with Ramo to arrange the event - he is the best!! So accommodating and flexible. read more

Always a good meal here! And the staff is awesome. My husband loved the seafood special it was a good size portion too you certainly won't be hungry when you leave here read more

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Luce is a large -- with various side rooms -- popular restaurant with an Italian food flair. Serves lunch and dinner. Has an adjacent parking lot which is very helpful as the meters in Middletown require a PhD to operate. The menu is wide-ranging with soups, salads, entrees, etc. The food was well appreciated by our party of six. One of us had a Sea Bass Special and reported it to be exceptional. A salad with sausage was good. Pasta dishes were well received. Service was attentive. Prices were fair. Overall a good choice for a good meal in a pleasant room. read more

Great food. Attentively prepared. Wait staff are typically helpful and extremely efficient but very serious, awfully icy and impersonal. They often zoom by your table mechanically uttering "how are things?" barely audibly such that you don't even realize they were talking to you. And once you do realize, they've gone off already without awaiting any response. It becomes a bit 'noioso'. You develop a curious desire to lurch a leg out and trip them. Yesterday was a Second time we've eaten there and food-wise nothing disappointed Pricey as all get-out though, at least the lunch menu is now. But they may be riding the price escalation we see all over the place read more

Lunch with coworkers and service was great, food portions were just right, and atmosphere is classy.

Had such a great experience here! Food was amazing and the staff was very accommodating and attentive. Definitely will come by again! I also had their shrimp cocktail which was AMAZING! Their espresso martini is also to die for. read more

Luce - Stuffed pork chop special - New American Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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Great Italian restaurant and we're going there again but service is SLOW at times. In consolation, they gave us a free round of drinks for waiting. There has been a renaissance going on along the strip in Middletown. Classy places to eat and shop. Ten years ago, you'd be accosted walking on either side of the street. These days it's an upper crust town. read more

Love love love this restaurant! The food and service is amazing.. the inside decor and ambiance added to the experience.. server was soo nice and attentive. I had the sautéed tenderloin tips for my entree and they were cooked perfectly medium rare .. delicious tender and flavorful.. the sauce had added just enough to not over power the dish and paired beautifully with the mashed potatoes.. the tiramisu was soo light and refreshing .. tasted soo fresh .. definitely will keep coming back for more! read more

Luce - Sauteed Tenderloin Tips - New American Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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Porterhouse for 2! I'm in love. We met at Luce for a going away dinner and while the mood was bittersweet, the food and ambiance surely made up for it. Our good friends who live in Middletown are moving to Virginia. I had never been to Luce, so this was a real treat for and convenient since they lived so close. We had such great service and from the apps to desserts, everyone definitely left satisfied. We started with the calamari and beef carpaccio. Oh, that calamari was so crispy and delicious! We also had some house bread and drinks beforehand. The Tito's Mule was great. My friend and I split the Porterhouse for two with mushrooms and onions and potatoes. Medium rare---absolutely perfect! And with perfect presentation. LOVE. We also tried the Luce Combo- veal scallopini combined with jumbo shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, and capers finished with brandy sauce. OMG! Try this! It was great! This will be my go to order! For dessert- we had a little combo plate of Panna Cotta, Cheesecake and Tiramisu. The cheesecake was my favorite, but all of them were top notch. I really liked how dense the cheesecake was. So good. I can't wait to go back and sit outside when the weather gets warmer again. Spring---please come soon. read more

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We had a gift card for Luce so we tried it. The facility had changed somewhat since our last visit during COVID. Gone was the big tent and an impressive new permanent structure was in its place just outside the main entrance. Many tables and a substantial bar...That place was hopping with a Folk Singer doing his thing. We had a reservation inside and were seated promptly. Staff seemed very professional. For dinner I had the Luce Combo and my wife chose the NY Strip. The presentation was impressive but the relative lack of flavor was disappointing. We both felt that our dishes were missing something...maybe some garlic, etc? Given that everything else was so well executed, we'll likely visit again as we have another gift card. Maybe the Chef was having an off night? read more

Luce Restaurant made such a lovely patio space out of their parking lot, you would never realize you were in the center of lovely, bustling Middletown! There are flowers around the perimeter that make the ambiance incredible! The food was also excellent-- especially the specials on the day we went! You could tell the kitchen really put effort into the plating and flavors of each dish. read more

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One of the many Italian restaurants in the area, all of which seem to have the same ambiance. Large dining areas and slightly more American than traditional Italian. Service was decent as well, with a very friendly waiter. They had a really fresh, lightly battered and crisp Calamari - one of the better ones I've had in the US. But, the pastas all fell quite short and tasted like the frozen or ready to heat pastas in Trader Joes. Skip the French Onion Soup. With the limited options in Middletown however, Luce would still be one of the restaurants I'd choose to dine in, especially for big groups. read more

I have not been here before but have driven by room many times!! I'm so glad I got to try it! Staff was nice and friendly and helpful. I got the mushroom ravioli... oh wow!!! Yummy! My friend got the chicken medallions, but didn't really care for it which is why I didn't give it 5 stars. I would go back to try other items. Looks like other reviewers like some of the other meals I wanted to try..like the veal... read more

Luce - Chicken medallions - New American Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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Went here for a work post-holiday luncheon. We were seated in a covered patio are which was very nice. The food was very well prepared. Especially loved the chicken sausage and the delicately fried calamari. The chicken and fish dishes that we had were under seasoned, but well cooked. Service was attentive and courteous. Overall- a good place to get a good meal! read more

Luce - New American Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Parking: Very small lot for the size of the place, very tough if there is no spot Decor: Very Covid aware outside with a huge tent. Inside is a different story with tables pretty close to each other. Felt upscale though with a beautiful wine rack in entry way. Staff: Very attentive but not intrusive. I had Val as my server and she was great. Food: Presentation was nice though you can tell the chef was old school with the presentation of plating. Overall taste was very good. Pricing: This is a tough one for me, they seemed to be a little on the high end of things for Middletown CT. A perfect example, I drank Arnold Palmers (half ice tea/half lemonade) and they were $4 each...Other prices were more appropriate, like the King Salmon was only $29. Overall: Many great places to eat in Middletown, would probably wait till Covid is more under control before venturing back...explore more venues in town first. read more

Very nice Italian restaurant. Upscale, not cheap but fairly priced since the food is fantastic. The wine is generously poured, the mushroom ravioli and the luce combo (veal and shrimp) were perfect. If you have a student in town, make sure to come here at least once when you visit! It's a lovely night out. read more

Decent food. Specials are repetitive. Service is good as is the ambiance. They charge $4 for a soda and $4 for refills. I went to dinner with my kids and had $20 of soda charges. Kind of ridiculous- haven't seen that since the 80's. Probably won't return and I would go at least 1 x per month. read more

Never again. Had dinner and then went down the street to a very cool speakeasy call Conspiracy (big plug for that establishment!!!) Got back to my car and found it had been "stickered" by Luce for "illegal parking." Not cool. Bad form. Took me a lot of Windex, a razor blade and 30 minutes to get it off. And the food was just mediocre American-Italian. Nothing special. #neveragain read more

Luce - New American Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Mixed experience here. We had decent appetizers served fairly quickly. We got a 1/2 dozen oysters and Caprese salad to start. Solid but nothing amazing. Then we waited over 45 minutes for our entrees. It was verging on absurd. When the food came though, it was hot. The rigatoni with Italian sausage was amazing - tasty tomato sauce, generous on the sausage, nicely cooked pasta. The salmon was pretty good - but the bed of veggies it sat on were slightly greasy. Our waiter was very nice but wished she had come over before 40 minutes to give an update. Not sure how typical this was but it has been a long time since I've waited that long for food! Left without dessert. read more